Jewell
I was a personal assistant to disabled persons prior to my car accident. Most of my people are MS patients and are in the later stages of MS. I work through a State organization which started as a pilot program. I do much of the work that a home healthcare worker would do, however my involvement goes a bit further on a personal level. I would have never thought about getting involved in this area if it were not for the fact that I stopped working as a medical transcriptionist so that I could take care of my mother and my aunt who were both terminally ill. This lasted for 7 years during which time I got a good look at nursing homes etc,. The program I was working in basically allows people that would otherwise be in a nursing home to remain at home with their families. This program seems to be working and I hope it grows. I gave up a lot to do this type of work. The pay is low scale, and their is no health insurance coverage. I was working for several different agencies and even in my old age of 54 I was thinking seriously about going into nursing. Here on the East Coast there is a shortage of nurses, and health care workers in general. I do not think it is to late for me to make a difference. I have a lot to offer. One of the agencies that I work with will pay for my schooling if I contract with them until they are paid back, I had been to their offices where I tested just before my car accident. I would still be able to carry some of my MS people for a time and would get credit towards my schooling. My medical terminology is not too bad and my anatomic knowledge of body parts is not bad either (anatom.y) I am familiar with barrier free lifts, hoyers, and stand and pivot proceedures to include the machine. As I said before I want to make a difference and what I did was not for monatary gain even though I am in dire straights. And now this automobile accident has set me back so far. I do not have much time to do this in and now I have a huge problem (fr pelvic ring, ribs and numbness and parathesia into one of my legs and foot). Perhaps I could go into nursing assessment for home bound persons. I don't see myself being able to lift anyone for some time to come. I am sad even my career has been affected. I hope to show an update that is a happy one but I can barely walk not to mention having the ability to lift someone. I really do want to help as soon as I am able. Any suggestions. Jewell